A federal lawsuit challenging Tennessee's new congressional map was voluntarily dismissed Tuesday after plaintiffs failed to obtain a temporary injunction in May, the Daily Memphian reports. The suit was filed by a coalition of Democratic voters and congressional candidates, including state Rep. Justin J. Pearson, D-Memphis, and Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, who argued the map was enacted too close to the August primary elections to be properly implemented. The case was dismissed at the request of the plaintiffs. Separate lawsuits brought by the ACLU of Tennessee and the NAACP State Conference of Tennessee, which challenge the map on the grounds that it violates the 14th and 15th Amendments by diluting Black voting strength, remain pending.

A law passed by the Tennessee General Assembly during the recent legislative session imposes a tax on international financial transfers. Months before the law is set to take effect, an association of financial technology institutions — which includes PayPal and SoFi — has filed a lawsuit that challenges its constitutionality. “This law raises taxes on Tennessee consumers, businesses, and non-profits, and contradicts recently passed federal law while also running afoul of the Foreign Commerce Clause in the U.S. Constitution,” Financial Technology Association President and CEO Penny Lee said, at the time the law was passed. The Nashville Banner reports on the suit.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell announced that the city is filing a new lawsuit to block the state's latest attempt to control the airport authority's board of directors. Axios Nashville reports that the Metro Nashville Airport Authority Board also voted to join the litigation. The city is citing federal law, saying the FAA will not approve a change of sponsor if the current board does not consent to the change. The city’s fight on this issue dates back to 2023, when the state first passed legislation aimed at taking over the airport board. Metro sued to stop the takeover and won, and that ruling was unanimously upheld by the Tennessee Court of Appeals. The state challenged that decision and the Tennessee Supreme Court heard the case in February. In May, Gov. Bill Lee signed new legislation giving the state authority over the Nashville and four other airport authorities.

Tennessee Attorney General (AG) Jonathan Skrmetti on Jan. 12 announced a multi-million dollar settlement with Metropolis Technologies Inc., following an investigation into its business practices in Tennessee. According to a press release, part of the settlement included millions of dollars in restitution for Tennessee consumers who were improperly charged by the company. The claims process for restitution payments opens today, and payments are expected to be made in early 2027. Some consumers will immediately begin receiving email notices with information about filing a claim to receive payment from the restitution. Eligible consumers need to provide documentation of violations to receive payment. To be eligible for payment, one must have paid for a parking session at a Metropolis parking lot in Tennessee between July 2021 and Jan. 6, 2026; were wrongfully overcharged, ticketed or booted; and have not previously received a refund from Metropolis. The electronic claim form and more information can be found on the settlement website.

The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals recently heard arguments in a challenge to Tennessee’s ban on the recruitment of minors to obtain out-of-state abortions without parental consent. Courthouse News reports that state attorneys argued the law does not restrict access to abortion or violate free speech rights. The plaintiffs, state Representative Aftyn Behn, D-Nashville, and abortion rights attorney Rachel Welty, sued over the law on First Amendment grounds. Two federal judges agreed with them, finding the law punished speech based on the opinion or perspective of the speaker. Read more about the appellate court proceeding.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) released design renderings for the new federal courthouse planned for Vine Street in downtown Chattanooga. The project is designed to bring several federal court functions under one roof while creating a new landmark for the city. According to News Channel 9, the proposed courthouse will total about 191,000 square feet and house the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and the Circuit Library. The building also will include seven courtrooms, nine judges' chambers, 40 interior parking spaces and space for federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Attorney's Office. GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst said the project is intended to combine security, efficiency and accessibility in a single facility. Additional project milestones, including a construction timeline, will be announced as the project moves forward.

The University of Tennessee Winston College of Law hosted its 2026 Orr Symposium on June 3, bringing together judges, lawyers, scholars and access to justice advocates to examine attorney shortages in Tennessee's rural "legal deserts" and discuss possible reforms. According to a release from the law school, the symposium explored issues such as alternative pathways to lawyer licensure, the use of trained non-lawyer legal professionals and strategies to expand legal services in underserved communities. Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Mary Wagner said the court's recent call for public comment on potential regulatory reforms is intended to encourage statewide discussion about unmet legal needs. The program also highlighted findings from Tennessee's 2025 Civil Legal Needs Assessment and introduced the proposed Legal Desert Incubator Program, which would support new lawyers who commit to practicing in rural areas with limited legal representation.

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee is accepting applications for a new full-time magistrate judge position, with an anticipated start date of April 1, 2027, subject to congressional funding. Magistrate judges handle a variety of duties, including preliminary criminal proceedings, misdemeanor cases, pretrial matters and evidentiary hearings referred by district judges, as well as civil cases upon consent of the litigants. A merit selection panel composed of attorneys and community members will review applications and recommend the five most qualified candidates to the district judges. Application forms and more information on the magistrate judge position may be obtained from Clerk of Court Designee Vicki Kinkade, 719 Church Street, Suite 1300, Nashville 37203. The form is also available here. Applications are due by the close of business July 17 and should be submitted to magistrate@tnmd.uscourts.gov. Read the court's announcement for additional information.

President Donald Trump on Monday formally nominated acting Attorney General (AG) Todd Blanche to serve permanently as attorney general, according to The Hill. Blanche, who previously served as deputy attorney general and as Trump's personal attorney, has led the Department of Justice for the past two months following the dismissal of former AG Pam Bondi. His nomination now goes to the U.S. Senate for confirmation, where he is expected to need near-unanimous Republican support. Blanche was previously confirmed as deputy attorney general in a 52-46 Senate vote.

The Nashville School of Law awarded law degrees to 66 graduates during its 118th commencement ceremony on May 23 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Mary Wagner delivered the commencement address, encouraging graduates to respect the law, embrace service and define success on their own terms. During the ceremony, seven graduates were inducted into the Cooper’s Inn Honor Society for graduating in the top 10% of their class, and Taylor Jordan received the Founder’s Award for achieving the highest grade-point average. Dean William C. Koch Jr. and leaders also recognized graduates for pro bono service and celebrated the Class of 2026’s academic achievements and contributions to the legal community. Read more in a press release and see photos from commencement.